CINCINNATI -- For the first time since Spring Training, injured Reds pitcher Hunter Greene was back in the clubhouse with the team on Friday.
After camp broke, Greene remained in Goodyear, Ariz., to rehab from March 11 arthroscopic surgery that removed loose bodies from his right elbow.
“Massive difference. It’s like a light switch," Greene said of how his elbow has felt since the procedure.
Greene, 26, was initially diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow in October after the season, and he elected to have a platelet-rich plasma injection. When discomfort returned during camp, he opted for surgery that is expected to keep him out of action until sometime in July.
On Tuesday in Arizona, Greene threw 15-20 pitches in the bullpen for the first time in his throwing program.
“I was really happy because my accuracy was actually really, really good," he said. "I only threw my fastball and my splitter. But it was a good feeling, because I wasn’t surprised -- because of my work leading up to the bullpen.”
Greene was scheduled to incorporate sliders into his second bullpen session on Friday afternoon at Great American Ball Park. He has a third bullpen scheduled for Monday, and he will return to Arizona to continue his rehab while the club goes on the road again after Wednesday's game vs. the Royals.
Last season, Greene -- a 2024 All-Star -- was 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA, but he set career lows with 19 starts, 132 strikeouts and 107 2/3 innings after missing more than two months with a Grade 1 right groin strain.
The timeline for Greene's progression remains the same.
“He’s doing really well," manager Terry Francona said. "As far as the schedule goes, we’re going to do what’s right by him. And when he’s ready, we will certainly welcome him back.”